19 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

The story of the Andes Survivors. Their place crashed high in th eAndes. Their only shelter was the plane's shattered fuselage, their only supplies a little wine and some bits of candy. In the beginning, there were thirty-two survivors. Then, only twenty-seven; then, nineteen....and, in the end, sixteen. This is their story--the greatest modern epic of catastrophe and human endurance.

Once I finally got into the book, this was a good story of survival. The men and women who crashed in the Andes had to overcome horrible situations -- injuries from the crash, an avalanche, and then the lack of food. What they did to survive was admirable, even if some may judge them harshly over their decision to eat the flesh of their dead friends.

That being said, though, the story moves so slowly, and the author's writing style is so staid, that it took me forever to actually feel like I was reading something worthwhile.

Once I finally got into the book, this was a good story of survival. The men and women who crashed in the Andes had to overcome horrible situations -- injuries from the crash, an avalanche, and then the lack of food. What they did to survive was admirable, even if some may judge them harshly over their decision to eat the flesh of their dead friends.

That being said, though, the story moves so slowly, and the author's writing style is so staid, that it took me forever to actually feel like I was reading something worthwhile.

When I first picked this book up, I thought that it would start slow & pick up only after long drawn-out accounts of the background of the people involved. I could not have been more wrong. Rather it moves along quickly, so much that I could hardly put it down, & the characters' lives are gradually revealed as they struggle to cope with their situation, the environment, & each other, as well as their own beliefs & consciences.
Although there are a few grisly details involving the cannibalistic habit, they were forced to adopt, the book as a whole is written in such a matter-of-fact attitudes to spare the reader disturbing mental images.
The book not only dealt with their survival & rescue, but also details the psychological & spiritual effects---something that was drastically understated, if not totally ignored in the movie.
It truly is a "heartbreaking & inspiring work" & one that is well worth reading.

Once I finally got into the book, this was a good story of survival. The men and women who crashed in the Andes had to overcome horrible situations -- injuries from the crash, an avalanche, and then the lack of food. What they did to survive was admirable, even if some may judge them harshly over their decision to eat the flesh of their dead friends.

That being said, though, the story moves so slowly, and the author's writing style is so staid, that it took me forever to actually feel like I was reading something worthwhile.